Segment Information

We manage and review our consolidated operations through the following reportable segments:


•	The distribution segment is primarily comprised of our regulated natural gas distribution and related sales operations in eight states.


•	The pipeline and storage segment is comprised primarily of the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana.


•	The natural gas marketing segment was comprised of our discontinued natural gas marketing business.

Our determination of reportable segments considers the strategic operating units under which we manage sales of various products and services to customers in differing regulatory environments. Although our distribution segment operations are geographically dispersed, they are aggregated and reported as a single segment as each natural gas distribution division has similar economic characteristics. In addition, because the pipeline and storage operations of our Atmos Pipeline-Texas division and our natural gas transmission operations in Louisiana have similar economic characteristics, they have been aggregated and reported as a single segment.

The accounting policies of the segments are the same as those described in the summary of significant accounting policies found in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2017. We evaluate performance based on net income or loss of the respective operating units. We allocate interest and pension expense to the pipeline and storage segment; however, there is no debt or pension liability recorded on the pipeline and storage segment balance sheet. All material intercompany transactions have been eliminated; however, we have not eliminated intercompany profits when such amounts are probable of recovery under the affiliates’ rate regulation process. Income taxes are allocated to each segment as if each segment’s taxes were calculated on a separate return basis.

Income statements and capital expenditures for the three months ended December 31, 2017 and 2016 by segment are presented in the following tables:



	Three Months Ended December 31, 2017
	Distribution			Pipeline and Storage			Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Operating revenues from external parties	$	860,453		$	28,739		$	—		$	889,192
Intersegment revenues	339			97,724			(98,063		)	—
Total operating revenues	860,792			126,463			(98,063		)	889,192
Purchased gas cost	463,758			912			(97,753		)	366,917
Operation and maintenance expense	103,737			26,140			(310		)	129,567
Depreciation and amortization expense	65,434			22,940			—			88,374
Taxes, other than income	55,107			7,666			—			62,773
Operating income	172,756			68,805			—			241,561
Miscellaneous expense	(1,400		)	(635		)	—			(2,035		)
Interest charges	21,368			10,141			—			31,509
Income before income taxes	149,988			58,029			—			208,017
Income tax benefit	(99,111		)	(7,004		)	—			(106,115		)
Net income	$	249,099		$	65,033		$	—		$	314,132
Capital expenditures	$	241,249		$	141,989		$	—		$	383,238



	Three Months Ended December 31, 2016
	Distribution			Pipeline and Storage			Natural Gas Marketing		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Operating revenues from external parties	$	754,266		$	25,902		$	—	$	—		$	780,168
Intersegment revenues	390			84,050			—		(84,440		)	—
Total operating revenues	754,656			109,952			—		(84,440		)	780,168
Purchased gas cost	395,346			355			—		(84,396		)	311,305
Operation and maintenance expense	92,714			32,268			—		(44		)	124,938
Depreciation and amortization expense	61,157			15,801			—		—			76,958
Taxes, other than income	50,546			6,503			—		—			57,049
Operating income	154,893			55,025			—		—			209,918
Miscellaneous expense	(633		)	(361		)	—		—			(994		)
Interest charges	21,118			9,912			—		—			31,030
Income from continuing operations before income taxes	133,142			44,752			—		—			177,894
Income tax expense	47,778			16,078			—		—			63,856
Income from continuing operations	85,364			28,674			—		—			114,038
Income from discontinued operations, net of tax	—			—			10,994		—			10,994
Net income	$	85,364		$	28,674		$	10,994	$	—		$	125,032
Capital expenditures	$	222,484		$	75,478		$	—	$	—		$	297,962

Balance sheet information at December 31, 2017 and September 30, 2017 by segment is presented in the following tables:



	December 31, 2017
	Distribution		Pipeline and Storage		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	7,010,709	$	2,508,083	$	—		$	9,518,792
Total assets	$	10,633,234	$	2,729,455	$	(2,097,969	)	$	11,264,720



	September 30, 2017
	Distribution		Pipeline and Storage		Eliminations			Consolidated
	(In thousands)
Property, plant and equipment, net	$	6,849,517	$	2,409,665	$	—		$	9,259,182
Total assets	$	10,050,164	$	2,621,601	$	(1,922,169	)	$	10,749,596